According to ESPN Boston, the Red Sox are "trying to dump" Beckett, although a number of factors could make it difficult to do so. He owns the right to veto any deal, his performance this season (5-9, 4.57 ERA) has not been sterling and he holds a reputation as a disruptive clubhouse force. The 32-year old is also set to earn almost $32 million over the next two seasons, so the Red Sox could have to pay a large portion of his salary even if they do find a taker for his services.

The Texas Rangers have been prominently mentioned in Beckett trade talks, but CBS Sports reports that the Rangers now consider any Beckett deal "a long shot." Reasons cited for the long odds against Beckett landing in Texas are the money remaining on the right-hander's contract and his "reputation for moodiness."

Update:WEEI reports that talks between the Red Sox and Rangers are "currently dead."